Belated Christmas greetings

Sorry folks, we’ve been back in the UK for Christmas this year. It’s been a bit hectic and we’ve both been stricken with the dreaded flu. Hopefully we’ll be fit for New Year.

 Here are a couple of photos from La Tranche before we left. Firstly on the town square…

…then Sacha’s old school by le Pavillon. 

We did the usual crossing from Saint Malo to get to England, but we made time to wander in the old town.

Safely on board we headed for the bar (of course), nicely decorated for the festive season.

We spent a few days in Sheffield on arrival ‘oop’ north. Here’s a shot in Sheffield.

Our three children treated us to lunch on the canal as part of our 50th wedding anniversary. It was great (possibly because we were practically the youngest) plus we booked the Christmas special!

Back at Nadine’s for Christmas itself and a wreath-making workshop with Bets & Nadine.

Christmas morning in Dronfield and Father Christmas must have struggled with all these presents.

Nadine did us proud for the traditional lunch, Phil & Jade joining us too.

I hope my faithful readers all had an excellent Christmas!

New developments

No wonder we've no money left: all these holidays and changes at the house.

New fencing on the front of the house. It gets more like Fort Knox every day!

But there's work afoot within those fences...

...the removal of roots from invasive plants.

Matthieu's been busy..

...and rightly proud of his efforts!

Alfie & Betty were more than happy to play there...

...even lounge for a while.

Nadine and (hiding Tine) seem to be enjoying it too.

All set for a bit of shade pour moi.

Next year look out for a new breakfast table & chairs!

Young friends & garden produce

Since getting to know Mehdi & Élodie we have got to know many of their friends, and we love 'em!

Curry lunch chez nous with Tristan (enjoying Tine's naan bread)!

Papy Dave's curry. Renowned!

Benèze time with Alex ('Choke': don't ask!), Diego, Élodie & Mehdi

On our decking, Diego, Mehdi, Élodie & moi...

...and your favourite La Tranche couple.

We had an excellent year for certain produce in the garden.

Green beans were plentiful and much appreciated.

Plus we had success with cucumbers...

...as Betty would agree!

The tomatoes never stopped coming, right through until November.

874g of pure taste!

Pool time

We had such a hot summer that a daily swim was practically essential!

Betty posing in Sacha's pool

Mehdi & Selim join AlfnBets in our pool...

...and the three youngsters practise sky-diving!

Élodie with Selim & Betty

Betty in a calm moment.

After all this activity it's time to relax and watch a film.

Food, glorious food

Twelve year old Alfie's always ready to eat and here's the proof!

It could be a salad lunch chez nous...

...or mussels chez Fafa...

...with a tasty caramel dessert.

Of course there's always time for a snack: chi chi on the town square...

...or a waffle at Côté Plage...

...followed by a drink with Maman.

Back home it's not a big catch of shrimps but they still go down well!

Philippe comes to visit too

We were lucky that Philippe decided last minute to fly over for a few days, overlapping with Nadine & co.

Here joined by niece Caroline with partner Jo

Cleggies United? Matt, Phil & Sacha on the beach at La Terrière

Of course we had to introduce Philippe to le Benèze, the bar just round the corner from our house.

Phil & Alfie setting off on a cycling adventure.

Philippe, Nadine & Matthieu at l'Embarcadère, our other favourite bar, this one on the beach.

Now joined by Betty and Caroline.

He's not in the photo but Philippe took this one of les z'amis, picnicking on the beach one evening.